Looking to buy an 08 Road Star - seller says.........

[Johnnym]

"2008 Yamaha Road Star 1700 cc. Only 4,769 miles on it. In great shape no rust on chrome. Cobra slash down pipes and fully adjustable drivers backrest. Only thing is it’s sputtering and acting like it’s running out of fuel sometimes. It could be something as small as the injectors need cleaned or a new fuel pump. Either way it’s still worth riding just don’t know a whole lot about them."

I'm thinking of offering a bit under his asking because were not sure what's wrong with the bike... Thoughts on what it could be?

Cheers!

Johnnym

[brianmac]

how does the gasoline smell inside the tank? fresh or varnish?

[Shores]

The first thing I would ask is does it have an aftermarket fuel processor like a power commander? If it does, that is likely the problem and all you have to do is remove it and run with the stock ECU.

[Brad_G]

I agree with Shores it sounds like a classic case of aftermarket owner induced issues. With that few of miles it could have crap gas and residue. A good fuel system cleaner and riding the snot out of it may be all that’s needed. What kind of price is being asked? A poor running bike in the late fall should be cheap.

[MidnightRide]

If the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Check the actual miles, take it for a test ride, make sure the title is clean.

[Lug Nut]

Fuel pump $600 range

[Shotround]

so glad my 2006 is carbonated.

[Brad_G]

I know Lug Nut and I talked about this at Eureka Springs M&G. The OEM part is very $$$ and is a complete drop in unit. There was a member here in the past year or so that if I remember correctly was able to replace it (or maybe it was the sock filter) without buying the complete unit. At the time they found a pump on Amazon for ~$35 while another user here suggested a brand that could be found for ~$50 on Ebay. I'd spend some time searching this site and others for options as there may be some that are more reasonable that what Momma Yamaha seems to command.

[Shores]

At less than 5000 miles, I seriously doubt the fuel pump is the problem. You guys are thinking too much, you're hurting the team! We need to wait and hear if the bike has an aftermarket processor or not. If it does, I would bet my wallet that is the problem.

[Brad_G]

You're right. Getting the cart in front of the horse.

[Father Pobasturd]

You're thinking of offering a bit less than he's asking? Are you made of money? You offer him a lot less than the asking price. Always. Period. Start at 60% of what he's asking and go from there. Dwell on the poor running, the $600 fuel pump, any flaws you can find. YOU DON'T LIKE THE COLOR ( EVEN IF YOU DO) Remember, you are going to buy a bike, not make friends. Don't be rude but be firm. Get close to the guy when addressing him, this makes most people nervous. Take him out of his element. If it's white say you wanted a black one. If it's black, you wanted a white one. Guys who say the price is firm can be brought down. They say that 'cause they are poor negotiators and they know it.

Now, in all verity, I can't say it works every time. I have been shut down and / or been asked to leave the premises a few times. Oh well, there's more fish in the sea, right? Practice with a friend before you go, if you piss off your friend that's good, you are on the right track. They will get over it if they are really a friend, besides, you didn't mean anything you said, you were just acting.

Remember, you don't know this guy and you'll probably never see him again, so what does it matter, right? Times are tough right now, we all need every buck we can hang on to. Now, go get that bike, and spare no quarter!

[KFallsRider]

I agree FPB..I always treat it like I don’t really want it and could care less if you won’t take my low offer..even though deep down I’m in love and gotta have it..takes the emotional part out of the equation. I’m not a mechanic and don’t want to get in over my head buying something that’s got problems..Tell me WHY I should buy it at the asking price…I’m looking at one a few years newer for less with no issues…all a lie ..lol ..The guys that are firm start to realize ..ya..maybe I am asking to much..make ‘em feel guilty!

[Brad_G]

Don't forget to look at the date code on the tires. With that few of miles it's possible it could have the original tires from '08. Also a wad of cash in hand can persuade a seller as well. "I've only got $XYZ to spend", "otherwise I'll have to go and get back to you later...." If he hasn't had many bites someone standing with cash in hand would be hard to pass on.

Fuel pump, tires, and labor are already shooting the price down $1500 and it could be more if the pump is replaced and that doesn't fix it. As mentioned above, more likely culprit is a fuel processor but apparently the seller doesn't know what's wrong so use that to your advantage.

[Lug Nut]

I would check to see if the auction sensors are in the exhaust and connected to the wiring harness of the computer. If they are not connected and the owner has used some sort of bypass plug for the O2 sensor that also can cause issues.

[Brad_G]

Good call. I read the post as slip-ons using the OEM header pipes (which should have O2 sensors) but now thinking it's a complete exhaust.